Fantasy Junction

Description

1952 Mercedes Benz 220a Cabriolet
s/n 03431/52 Engine no. 5512599
Burgundy with Tan Leather Interior

Among Mercedes-Benz’ s first new postwar models, the 220 embodied all of Mercedes’ best virtues. Well-engineered and constructed, the cars displayed good reliability and exemplary roadholding, as well as distinguished styling and well-appointed and comfortable interiors. At the same time, the cars remained very classic in styling. The doors were rear hinged, and bodywork retained separate fenders, running boards, and landau bars. Compared to contemporary American cars, the 220 was leagues ahead in terms of comfort, handling, and construction, and was accordingly expensive, nearly $5000 when new, or about the price of a Cadillac limousine. Particularly impressive was the new six-cylinder engine, which contemporary testers described as “”ultra-modern”, “intoxicating”, and “incredible”. The 220a was an improved version with a higher compression engine, and while most examples built were saloons, there was a cabriolet variant, a stylish open air car of which just 1278 examples were built.

This particular example was restored to high standards in 1992 and remains in very nice shape. Much work has been performed since 2007, including nearly $11,000 in work with the legendary Paul Russell and Company. Included among this was a complete brake system rebuild (including seven hydraulic cylinders, all stainless sleeved now), relined shoes, machined drums, and brake lines. Additionally, the car received five new Vredestein tires and a full tune (all fluids changed, timing, points, cap, rotor, carburetor tune, valve adjustment). A new top boot was also made, the fuel system serviced, and the chassis lubricated. Additionally, the car has received an undercarriage detail.

The car is in very nice cosmetic shape. The restoration was done to high standards and is holding up well. The body is very straight and has very good gaps, while the paintwork was nicely done and has only a few small blemishes. The chrome is very good, with light pitting only, and the lights and glass are also very nice. The car has European type Bosch headlamps, as well as Bosch fog lights.

The interior is also very nice. The leather is holding up well, with just the right amount of patina. The carpets are also in fine shape, and the wood is also in very good shape, with excellent luster and only a few surface cracks on the door caps only. The dashboard and windscreen wood are both in fine shape as well. The instruments and switches are in good shape, while the steering wheel shows a bit of aging.

The engine compartment and trunk are both quite nice as well. The trunk is in fine shape and there is a complete original three piece luggage set, as well as spare and jack. The engine compartment is tidy and original in appearance, and is reasonably well detailed. The undercarriage is extremely tidy, solid, and nicely detailed.

This is a great opportunity to acquire one of these stylish open Mercedes that has been well-restored and looked after. Its current owner has serviced the car with the best in the business, and the car is well-sorted both mechanically and cosmetically. It is complete with spare, jack, factory workshop manual, owner’s manual, and service records for the current ownership period.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608